Lot 4498

Description

L. Plautius Plancus, (47 B.C.), silver denarius, Rome mint,
(3.85 g), obv. mask of Medusa, facing, hair dishevelled, rosettes and wings above forehead, coiled serpents at sides of face, L.PLAVTIVS below, rev. Aurora flying to right, conducting the four horses of the sun, PLANCVS below, (S.429, Cr.453/1a, Syd.959, RSC Plautia 15). Off centre on obverse and reverse, superb portrait of Medusa with well defined snakes at sides of face, artistic detail of horses on reverse, bright and nearly extremely fine and rare in this condition.

Ex Noble Numismatics Auction Sale 74 (lot 5094) and previously from Freeman & Sear, Los Angeles with their ticket.
The skilled die engraver has added small rosettes above Medusa's hair in an artistic flourish that completes the accomplished portrait.